(LEGO $79.99) What a beauty! An advanced building set with 1072 pieces; this is a challenging build for tweens and teens. The transparent...

( Hasbro $14.99) A fun new twist on the classic game.This isn’t the contemplative game.  A much more fast-paced version where you’re trying to flip in your pieces to make four in a row and win the round. A good family game for the 8 & up crowd.    Ages: Early School, Tweens Shop this game on Amazon

(Hasbro $19.99 each) We have to be honest -- we were skeptical about Twister Air. We are loyal Twister fans. The verdict -- we LOVE this...

(Ageless Innovations and Hasbro $29.99 each) We all grew up with Yahtzee but now it has a casino twist. You play the standard game of...

( Happy Camper $16.99 each ) If you were going to take one card game with you on a trip with school age kids, this would be a great choice. The game play is fast and fun and it requires some math (so also great for keeping those skills fresh while away from school). The object is to get rid of your rabbits (on cards) before your opponents. There are a manageable number of rules to follow that will either allow you get rid of more rabbits or take on more rabbits from your oppo

(Lego $138.95) Since so many kids go to their community centers for afterschool activities, we think they are going to like this...

(eeBoo $21.99 each) Just opened a new box of goodies from eeBoo with three festive puzzles for the coming Christmas season. We love the...

(Thames & Kosmos $32.99) This excellent kit will keep parent and child on their toes. Kids can build their TrainBot in two different...

( Mindware $64.95) KEVA is a Blue-Chip building system that includes pine planks. The set comes with a 24 page booklet full of ideas for...

(eeBoo $21.99) For the young science whizz in your midst, this set of four puzzles will be an eye opener. Each of the 49-piece puzzles...